GREETINGS
Spring has finally arrived!! The trees are green, the grass is green (and needs to be mowed) and flowers are everywhere. I have always felt that you cannot fully appreciate spring until you have survived an Ohio Winter. That certainly is true this year.
I can see the Park from my window and it is wonderful to see it full of people enjoying the good weather.
This issue covers the months of March, April and May. Please read and enjoy!
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Planning Commission: shall consist of 5 members including the Mayor, one member of Council and 3 citizens appointed by the Mayor.
Duties are prescribed in the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 713. The Commission has the power to administer Site Plan Reviews and Conditional Use Permits.
Village Planning Commission meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Village Park Lodge.
CHAIRMAN: James Rogers
MEMBERS: Michele Stuck, Bob Ress and Mayor Hopkins.*Note: 1 additional member needed.
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Parks Board Commission: shall consist of 5 members including 2 Council members and 3 residents of the Village.
Parks Board has the control and management of the Village Park and all improvements and additions. The Board will supervise and control the use of the Park and its facilities and enforce all rules and regulations adopted by Council.
Parks Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at Village Hall.
CHAIRMAN: Marty Hura
MEMBERS: Pearl Campbell, Don Buchert, Rod Summerlin.*Note: 1 additional member needed.
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Safety Committee: shall consist of 4 members including the Mayor, Police Chief and 2 members of Council.
The Safety Committee meets on the 4th Sunday of each month, at 10:00 am at Village Hall.
The Safety Committee shall consider all topics of safety within the Village, the interrelationship of the Village and the Joint Fire District, as well as the evaluation of all safety personnel.
CHAIRMAN: Matt Roosa
MEMBERS: Mayor Hopkins, Chief Buchert, Ralph Gregory.***************
Finance Committee: shall consist of 2 members of Council, the Mayor and Clerk-Treasurer.
The Finance Committee meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month, at 6:00 pm at Village Hall.
The Finance Committee will consider all topics of Finance, Personnel, Administrative and Rules and Ordinances, as well as the evaluation of all non-service, non-safety personnel, including the Village Clerk and Village Solicitor.
CHAIRMAN: Carolyn Hummel
MEMBERS: Ralph Gregory, James Rogers and Mayor Hopkins.***************
Shade Tree Commission: shall consist of 1 member of Council and 4 residents (1 must be a member of Parks Board).
Shade Tree will develop, administer and maintain a Master Tree Plan, report and recommend any questions within this scope, and recommend the type and kind of trees to be planted on Village property.
Shade Tree Commission meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Village Park Lodge.
CHAIRMAN: Chuck Engelhart
MEMBERS: Marty Hura, Jean Thomas, Cookie Vanek, Don Buchert (Parks Board Member).***************
Cemetery Board: shall consist of 1 member of Council and 3 residents.
The Cemetery Board shall be responsible for and signing all cemetery deeds.
The Cemetery Board meets when needed.
CHAIRMAN: Carolyn Hummel
MEMBERS: Christine Buchert, Jon Hall, and Betty Mishler.***************
Board of Zoning Appeals: shall consist of 3 residents.
The Board of Zoning Appeals shall review and resolve all rejected zoning permit applications.
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets when needed.
CHAIRMAN: Roger Hawkins
MEMBERS: Donna Hawkins, Norman Park.***************
HEADWATERS TRAIL BRIDGE
On May 6, 2003 a 16-ton, 90-foot pedestrian bridge was set in place on Mantua’s recreational trail over the Cuyahoga River. CT Consultants designed the prefabricated structure which was transported via flat bed truck from Minnesota where it was manufactured.
The bridge’s design utilizes weathering steel to give it a rustic appearance in the setting of the former railroad crossing and will require little maintenance. Another special feature of the design utilized the existing stone abutment originally constructed in the 1800’s.
Mantua has been constructing a scenic hike and bike trail in the Village to connect to Portage County’s trail system which travels 5 miles east to Garrettsville. (see Service Department article)
The Village received a Recreational Trail Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and funding assistance from the Portage County Board of Commissioners to construct the trail and the bridge.
To see what it really looks like, stop down on East Prospect at the curve before Mantaline or you can see it on the Village website-www.mantuavillage.com.
NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN!
RK Graphics was started in 1996, by Ken and April Collier, as a side business to make extra money producing vinyl graphics. It has now grown into a full service graphics company. Whether you are a business owner needing signage or you just need to make a few copies, we can help.
RK Graphics offers black and white copies, color copies, business cards, letterheads, receipt books, vinyl lettering, magnetic banners, company yard and real estate signs, ready to apply vinyl graphics and just about any other type of graphics you may need.
Since 1996 RK Graphics has built a reputation on quality and customer service. From design to finished product, we can provide the necessary services to complete your project. Using our 20 years of experience, we can offer graphic services above and beyond any of our competitors.
We are located at 4672 E. Prospect St. Our hours are Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can reach us at 1-330-274-0867 or 1-800-509-5552.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
In May, we held our second Annual Community Yard Sale at Buchert Park. We had over 25 vendors and all seemed to do well. Not as many people as last year, but it was Memorial Day weekend.
We are now in the process of planning our Summer Picnic and will be celebrating our 5th Anniversary on July 1st.
Now that the Headwaters Trail Bridge has been installed, we will be working on a design to use the Memorial Bricks that we have sold. They will be used in the area of the bridge entrance. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, please call Diane at 330-274-8737 for an order blank. Whatever design we choose, we will be able to add to it, as more bricks are sold.
We will again be participating in the Mantua Potato Festival in September. We will have an information booth, but will not be doing the ‘Jail’.
Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:00 PM at the Park Lodge. Please join us.
2003 ARBOR DAY PROGRAM ESSAY CONTEST
In observance of Arbor Day, the Village Shade Tree Commission coordinated an essay contest. Students in 3rd and 4th grade at the Village School were asked to participate. The students were asked to write their essays based on the 2003 Arbor Day Foundation theme.
They received over 60 essays and it was a difficult job narrowing it down to the top 3 in each grade.
On Friday, April 25, Chuck Engelhart, Chairman of the Shade Tree Commission attended the Village School for the awards program. Mr. Turner, the Village School Principal announced the name of those submitted the top 3 essays from each class. From his office, you could hear the cheers and congratulations from the other students. All the participants were thanked for their involvement. Mr. Turner then asked the winners to report to the office to receive their awards. The first place winners from each grade received a certificate, a $25 Savings Bond, donated by Middlefield Bank, a copy of their essay and a Tree City pin. The second and third place winners each received a certificate, copy of their essay and a Tree City patch. The students were very excited and proud of their accomplishment.
RIVERSCAPE 2003
Mantua Village will once again be participating in the annual events along the beautiful Cuyahoga River. We look forward to this Saturday every year, as we join with you and your families, in celebrating along and on our River.
This year, Mantua Village will host "Riverscape 2003" during the Potato Festival in September. This is a venue sponsored by the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed Task Force, Mantua Village, Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department, along with over 11 other State, County and area agencies who come together with activities that are fun, educational, and interactive for all.
Look for the time and date in future Mantua Matters and Potato Festival flyers.
WWTP EXPANSION
The Village broke ground on Friday, May 11, 2001, for the new expansion at the Waste Water Treatment Plant located between Orchard Street and Mats Road.
Since that time the project has moved along being substantially complete now with a target total completion this summer.
PROJECT WEB SITE ON LINE
This Village is pleased to announce that you may obtain important information and track our project progress online.
We will be updating the information and photos as we go along. This site is located at www.ctconsultants.com. Once you are there, go to Current Projects where you will find “Waste Water Treatment Project-Village of Mantua” and “Pedestrian Bridge-Village of Mantua”.
CURBSIDE BRUSH PROGRAM/WOOD CHIPS
The monthly brush pick-up is under way and will continue on the first Monday of each month through October.
All brush is to be placed at the curb with the cut ends facing the street. Branches over 8 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter will not be picked up nor will thorny bush trimmings or yard waste.
Chipping is intended for brush collection that has been trimmed by homeowners during routine maintenance. The homeowner will be responsible for the disposal of brush/limbs from removal of tree(s), lot clearing, clearing along fence or property line and it is not be placed at the curb.
If a contractor has been hired to perform the work, the contractor is responsible for brush/limb removal and it is not to be placed at the curb.
Wood chips, while they last, are available at no charge to Village residents at the Service garage located at 4880 E. High St., or you can contact us for deliveries within the Village at 330-274-8188.
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU
Phase I of the Headwaters Trail in the Village was completed in 2002. This stretch of trail starts at McDonalds and proceeds West to Mennonite Road.
Phase II will connect the section from Garrettsville, by proceeding east across the Cuyahoga River and then along Mill Street to the Phase I trail.
We are awaiting finalization of the necessary easements at which time we will bid this work. This phase includes a pedestrian bridge across the River which was recently placed. We also plan to develop rest areas along the trail this summer.
CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB NEWS
Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation for a Pilot Dog for the Blind, contact Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516.
We have opened a concession stand at Buchert Park near the Lodge and will be serving hot dogs and drinks to the public during the baseball season. Proceeds will go for Lion’s projects to help those less fortunate.
Tickets are on sale now for the Crestwood Lions 200 Club. 12 monthly drawings, held on the second Tuesday of each month, July ‘03 to June ‘04. Only 200 tickets will be sold. 1st prize is $50.00, 2nd and 3rd prizes are $25.00. Proceeds to Lions’ projects. Donation $12.00.
MANY, MANY THANKS
The American Legion Post # 193, would like to thank everyone involved with the monthly Soup Suppers. Those who help set up, clean up, make soup, salad, scrumptious desserts and all those who support the suppers by showing up and eating.
People who do not even belong to the Legion or Auxiliary will show up with soup or dessert. So a big thank you goes to them also. The Legion would like to thank those who showed additional support during our recent fund-raising suppers.
Because of the holiday, there will be no Soup Supper in July. See you in August!
JUST PASSING THROUGH
The following is an email received at Village Hall back in April of this year. I wanted to share it with you.
Hello Mantua Village, I had the good fortune to travel through your Village today on the way from Mentor, Ohio to a work assignment in Midland, PA.I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to see the Flags and Yellow Ribbons so proudly displayed. Though I do not have someone in my family in the service, I am proud of our men and women who are selflessly serving our great country.
Your demonstration of pride in our Country brought tears to my eyes. May God bless all of the exceptionally fine, patriotic people of Mantua.
Best Regards, Pit Digger
A message that should make our entire community very proud.
SOME IMPORTANT HEALTH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Is it true that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life?A: Not! Your heart is only good for so many beats. Don’t waste them on exercise. That’s like saying that your car will last longer if you drive faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Are fried foods bad for you?
A: Absolutely not! Foods are fried in vegetable oil. How can getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Sorry, can’t think of a single one. My philosophy is: "No pain--good."
I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had.
How safe is the inside of your car?
Tens of millions of cars are on the road today, cars that have crash-tested well, feature air bags and antilock brakes, giving the driver a sense of safety on the blacktop. Speed limits have risen and the number of SUVs has multiplied.
Meanwhile, people have turned their vehicles into second living rooms where hidden dangers abound, from a PDA on the dashboard to those weekend-project ceramic tiles in the back. It is a recipe for disaster because in a crash, any of these objects could turn into a deadly projectile.
The automotive industry has known about this for years. In 1986 General Motors engineers warned that passengers and drivers could sustain serious injuries from unsecured cargo. In a head-on crash where you are going 35 mph, a one-pound can of beans in the back seat continues at that speed until it strikes someone or something with 100 pounds of force. That’s more than enough to fracture your skull.
People are largely unaware of what can happen in collisions. The forces are extreme. After the collision outside, there are always collisions inside. Both can wreak havoc. Passengers in the rear seat should always wear seat belts. A passenger hit by another occupant can suffer severe head trauma, a broken neck or spine. A rear passenger could ramp into the back of the front seat, collapsing it and crushing someone in front. A front-seat passenger becomes a crude air bag for a person in back.
Why do people ignore seat belts? One factor is the inadequacy of laws and enforcement. While 49 states have seat-belt laws (only New Hampshire does not), only 18 allow police to stop drivers for seat-belt only violation. Only 15 states require rear-seat riders to buckle up.
Why is it that no one talks about this?
(Source: Readers Digest)
Be sure to mark your calendars for June 28th. The local Soap Box Derby race will be held for the first time in Mantua. This is a qualifying race for the National All-American Soap Box Derby.
Please note that High Street hill will be closed on that date, for several hours.
TIPS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY
Consumers wishing to give to charitable causes benefiting the victims of the 9/11 tragedies, should be on their guard.
Below is a list of tips for consumers to follow before giving:
Examine all charitable options before giving.
Be wary of charities with "sound-alike" names of more familiar organizations.
Do not agree to give money over the telephone if -
- Caller is hesitant to answer your questions
- High-pressure tactics are used
- You are guaranteed to win a prize if you donate
- The caller offers to have a courier immediately pick up the donation from you
Under Ohio law professional solicitors MUST tell you that they are a professional solicitors, the name of the solicitor, the name and address of the charity for whom they are soliciting.
Consumers should ask the following questions when asked to give to charities:
Is the charity and professional solicitor registered with Attorney General’s Office. This is required by State law.
What percentage of my donation will the charity receive?
What percentage of the charity’s income is spent on administrative and fund-raising costs? This should be no more than 50%.
What is the full name of the charity for which you are raising money? Watch out for names that are similar to a well-known, nationally recognized charity.
What are some of the charity’s specific programs and services?
What is the address of the charity? This can help you learn whether the charity is going to benefit local of out-of-state causes.
How long has the charity been in existence? Use caution when giving to a newly organized charity.
Consumers who have questions about charitable giving or suspicious solicitations may call the Attorney General’s Office, toll free, at 1-800-282-0515.
HOW DID WE SURVIVE?
According to today’s regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s probably shouldn’t have survived.
My mom cut chicken, chopped eggs, and spread mayo on the cutting board with the same knife and no bleach, but I didn’t get food poisoning. She defrosted hamburger on the counter and I ate it raw.
Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, it was without a helmet.
We rode in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose, not a bottle. We at cupcakes, bread and butter and drank pop with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because we were always outside playing.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this. We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back home when the street lights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. No cell phones! We did not have Playstations, Nintendo, X-Boxes, video games, no cable, video tape movies, surround sound, personal computers or Internet chat rooms.
We had friends! We went outside and found them. We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and got over it.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s home. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Some students weren’t as smart as others, so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade.
Tests were not adjusted for any reason. A pagers was the school PA system. I took gym not PE.. And risked permanent injury with a pair of high-top Ked’s instead of cross-training athletic shoes with air cushioned soles and built-in light reflectors.
Every year, someone would run in the school hall with leather-soled shoes and slip on the floor. And we didn’t even know that we could sue the school system! We said the Pledge of Allegiance and stayed in detention if we violated the rules.
What was that property thinking, letting me play in his empty lot? He should have been locked up for failing to put a fence around the property, complete with a self-closing fate and infrared alarm.
I didn’t act up at the neighbor’s house because, if I did, I got my butt spanked (but nobody claimed physical abuse).
I played king of the hill on a pile of gravel left on a construction site. When I fell and skinned my knee, Mom treated me with a 48¢ bottle of mercurochrome. Then she spanked my butt. Today, it takes a trip to the Emergency Room, followed by 10 days of $48 antibiotics and a call to an attorney to sue the contractor for leaving gravel where it is a menace.
Mom was not afraid to invite a salesman in for coffee. Dad drove a car with leaded gas. I spent many summer days pushing a lawnmower (without a motor).
Consequences were expected. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law. Imagine that!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure success and responsibility and we learned how to deal with it all.
And, We Survived!!
TREE CITY USA
Mantua Village has received the Tree City USA award for the 8th straight year.
Shade Tree Member Cookie Vanek attended the awards ceremony in Twinsburg a few weeks ago. We received a marker for the permanent plaque on display in the Park Lodge, and a new flag. Congratulations to all who helped to make this possible!.
SUMMERTIME COOKING
It’s time to fire up the grill, put on the funny hat and apron and move the kitchen outside. So here are some recipes for summertime eating.
Maple Glazed Ribs
3 lbs pork baby back ribs
¾ cup maple syrup
2 tbls packed brown sugar
2 tbls ketchup
1 tbls cider vinegar
1 tbls Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp mustard powderSimmer ribs in water, covered, for 1 hour. Drain when meat is tender. In a small saucepan, combine all other ingredients, bring to a boil and pour over ribs and marinate in refrigerator for about 2 hours.
Cook ribs on grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until tender and glazed, baste with marinating liquid and turn occasionally.
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Easy Cheesy Potatoes
6 potatoes, sliced
1 onion, chopped
¼ cup chopped green pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup butterPlace vegetables on large sheet of aluminum foil, season with salt and pepper, place small pats of butter over the vegetables. Seal all edges of the foil to form a packet. Grill over medium heat for 20 minutes, turn over and grill for 10 more minutes. Carefully open packet, check for tenderness. If done sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables and allow to melt.
This can also be done in small individual packets, if desired.
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Tidewater Coleslaw
2 carrots, finely grated
1 ½ cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head green cabbage finely shredded
½ cup white vinegar
1 tbls celery seedCombine cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over vegetables. Mix well. Refrigerate until serving time.
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Grilled Peaches
Cut 4 medium peaches in half and remove pits. Place in a bowl. Melt 2 tbls unsalted butter and 2 tbls brown sugar in a small saucepan. Coat peach halves with this mixture and grill until soft, 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Place in serving glass or bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle on vanilla cookie crumbs.
A SAFETY ALERT FROM NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
There have been a number of reports from residents regarding possible home break-ins. Most of these homes were unlocked.
Always lock your doors when you leave your home, even for just a few minutes. That is all the time it takes for someone to walk in. And don’t forget about the windows. Now that warm weather is finally here, doors and windows are left open, just what a burglar is looking for.
Also, remember to keep your eyes and ears open around your neighborhood, and report anyone or anything that looks suspicious or out of place. A simple phone call to the police department could help to prevent problems for yourself or your neighbors.
GARDEN CLUB
The Mantua Garden Club has completed their annual beautification project for the Village of Mantua at the following locations:
Post Office, Buchert Park, Government Center, High School, Berg Memorial in Hillside Cemetery. It is interesting to note that Triangle Park was planted by 12 year old Blake Tayerle, son of member Teri Tayerle.
The Garden Club welcomes new members. If you are not a gardener, we will teach you!. Please call our President, Diane Lottig, 330-274-2868 or Committee Chairman, Elvira Brockman.
CURFEW
Now that school is over for the summer and the kids are out and about, here is a reminder regarding the curfew that exists in the Village.
Children under the age of 14 are not to be out, on the streets, between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am; ages 14 & 15 between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am; ages 16 & 17 between midnight and 6 am unless they are in the company of a parent or legal guardian.
And, we reach the end of another edition of Mantua Matters. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Please remember, this is your paper and I welcome any comments, ideas, suggestions and okay, even criticism. Let me know if there is a topic or issue that you would like to see covered in a future issue.
Goodbye for now, see you in September!
Diane Hura, EditorCOMMUNITY CALENDAR
Council Meetings 3rd Tuesday each month 7:00 pm Village Hall Finance Committee 1st Tuesday each month 6:00 pm Village Hall Safety Committee 4th Sunday each month 10:00 am Village Hall Service Committee 3rd Tuesday each month 6:00 pm Village Hall Parks Board 3rd Monday each month 7:00 pm Village Hall Planning Comm. 3rd Wednesday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge Shade Tree Comm. 1st Wednesday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge Neighborhood Watch 1st Thursday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge American Legion 3rd Wednesday each month 7:30 pm Legion Hall Legion Auxiliary 2nd Monday each month 1:00 pm Legion Hall Potato Festival 4th Monday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge Soup Supper 1st Friday each month 6:00 pm Park Lodge
(If you would like your group’s meeting listed on the Community Calendar, send group name, day, time and place to Mantua Matters, 4736 E. High St. Mantua, OH 44255)
June 14 Flag Day June 15 Father’s Day . July 4 Independence Day . August Dullest month of the year - holiday wise - And... some little known holidays that you really need to celebrate! June 6 National Donut Day (in honor of our Safety Forces) June 13 Blame Someone Else Day (but only for little things) June 29 National Log Cabin Day (for Abe Lincoln fans) June is also National Ice Tea Month July 3 Stay Out Of The Sun Day (if there is any sun that day) July 19 Cow Appreciation Day (for meat and leather lovers) July 28 National Drive-Thru Day (for all you fast-food nuts) July is also National Hot Dog Month August 2 National Mustard Day (should have had this last month) August 10 Spoil Your Dog Day (buy your pooch a new outfit) August 22 Be An Angel Day (just be your own sweet self) August is also National Inventors Month